UEFA criticises FIFA’s decision to suspend American striker Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red-card ban

By  News On Air   Jul 06, 2026

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has strongly criticised FIFA’s decision to suspend American striker Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red-card ban following a intervention by US President Donald Trump, who urged the organisation to review the case.

UEFA said that FIFA had crossed a red line and compromised the integrity of the game. 

In a statement, FIFA announced that the implementation of Balogun’s automatic one-match suspension had been suspended under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code for a probationary period of one year. 

UEFA, in a statement, said the automatic one-match suspension for a red card is a mandatory rule that cannot be waived or selectively applied, warning that making exceptions during a tournament undermines fairness and the integrity of the competition. 

The governing body described the decision as unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable, saying it sets a dangerous precedent that could damage the credibility of both the tournament and the sport.

American player Balogun received a red card for stepping awkwardly on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia-Herzegovina in Round of 32 clash, which United States won by 2-0.